Family Research Council Argues in Favor of Discriminating Against Trans People

By Nick Pachelli

Originally published on Advocate.com February 27 2013 3:22 PM ET

To make its case against banning discrimination of transgender people, the Family Research Council is calling trans Marylanders delusional and in need of psychological help, according to ThinkProgress.

The Maryland Senate is considering the Fairness for All Marylanders Act, which would add gender identity to the state's anti-discrimination policy, adding a layer of protection in the workplace and housing. FRC's Peter Sprigg testified against the bill on Tuesday by arguing trans people need therapy, not protection.

“The solution is compassionate counseling aimed at helping the individual to uncover the psychological roots of their gender identity problems,” Spriggs said, according to an excerpt posted by ThinkProgress. “This bill would force the state... to officially and legally affirm the very delusion that puts these suffering individuals at odds with reality.”

Sprigg finished by saying the bill would not make the lives of transgender people better and that it would actually prevent them from getting the help they need.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story did not attribute the source of the news and quotes to ThinkProgress.